U.S. patent number 10,815,697 [Application Number 16/167,941] was granted by the patent office on 2020-10-27 for latch apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to THE EASTERN COMPANY. The grantee listed for this patent is The Eastern Company. Invention is credited to Scott Arthurs, Lee S. Weinerman.
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United States Patent |
10,815,697 |
Weinerman , et al. |
October 27, 2020 |
Latch apparatus
Abstract
A latch (202) includes a catch jaw (210) which is operative to
releasably engage a post. A release pawl (212) is operative to hold
the catch jaw in a latched jaw position, and upon movement of the
release pawl, enables the catch jaw to move to an unlatched jaw
position. In an unlocked condition of the latch, movement of a
handle (206) is operative to enable the latch to change from the
latched to unlatched condition. The latch includes a keylock (240)
and an electrical actuator (308). Each of the keylock and the
electrical actuator are operative to independently change the
condition of the latch between locked and unlocked conditions.
Inventors: |
Weinerman; Lee S. (Medina,
OH), Arthurs; Scott (Brunswick, OH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Eastern Company |
Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE EASTERN COMPANY (Cleveland,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
72944695 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/167,941 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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62579477 |
Oct 31, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B
5/00 (20130101); E05C 3/16 (20130101); E05B
47/0012 (20130101); E05B 47/0676 (20130101); E05C
3/24 (20130101); E05B 9/04 (20130101); E05B
13/005 (20130101); E05B 2047/0084 (20130101); E05B
2047/0021 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E05B
47/06 (20060101); E05C 3/16 (20060101); E05B
47/00 (20060101); E05B 9/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;70/278.7,279.1
;292/199,201,216 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gall; Lloyd A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jocke; Ralph E. Cochran; Colin P.
Walker & Jocke
Claims
We claim:
1. Apparatus comprising: an actuator configured for use with a
latch, wherein the latch includes a movable latch condition lever,
wherein the latch condition lever is movable between a first
condition lever position and a second condition lever position,
wherein the latch includes a manually movable handle, wherein when
the latch condition lever is in the first condition lever position,
movement of the handle is operative to cause the latch to change
from a latched condition to an unlatched condition, wherein when
the latch condition lever is in the second condition lever
position, movement of the handle does not cause the latch to change
from the latched condition to the unlatched condition, wherein the
actuator includes a key lock, wherein the key lock includes a
rotatable lock cylinder, wherein the lock cylinder is rotatable
about a cylinder axis, wherein the lock cylinder is held immovable
in a first rotational cylinder position when a proper key is not in
operative engagement with the key lock, wherein the lock cylinder
is rotationally movable from the first rotational cylinder position
in a first rotational direction and in an opposed second rotational
direction when the proper key is in operative engagement with the
key lock, a projection, wherein the projection extends radially
outward relative to the cylinder axis and is in fixed operative
connection with the lock cylinder, a movable plate, wherein the
plate includes an arcuate slot, wherein the arcuate slot is bounded
at opposed ends of the slot by first and second radially extending
end surfaces, wherein the projection extends in the slot and is
movable therein between the first and second end surfaces without
causing plate movement, and wherein the plate is in operative
connection with the latch condition lever, an arcuate gear segment,
wherein the gear segment is in fixed operative connection with the
plate, a motor, a rotatable pinion in operative connection with the
motor, wherein the pinion is in operatively engaged connection with
the arcuate gear segment, wherein with the proper key in engagement
with the key lock, responsive to rotation of the lock cylinder in
the first rotational direction from the first rotational cylinder
position, the projection is operative to move in the arcuate slot
and engage the first end surface of the slot to cause plate
movement and the latch condition lever to move from the second
condition lever position to the first condition lever position,
responsive to rotation of the lock cylinder in the second
rotational direction opposed of the first rotational direction from
the first rotational cylinder position, the projection is operative
to move in the arcuate slot and engage the second end surface of
the slot opposed of the first end surface to cause plate movement
and the latch condition lever to move from the first condition
lever position to the second condition lever position, and wherein
with the proper key not in engagement with the key lock and the
lock cylinder held immovable in the first rotational cylinder
position, motor rotation in a first rotational motor direction is
operative to cause plate movement with the projection positioned in
the arcuate slot between the first and second end surfaces, and the
latch condition lever to move from the second condition lever
position to the first condition lever position, motor rotation in a
second rotational motor direction opposed of the first rotational
motor direction is operative to cause plate movement with the
projection positioned in the arcuate slot between the first and
second end surfaces, and the latch condition lever to move from the
first condition lever position to the second condition lever
position.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the case has a
releasable cover, wherein the releasable cover bounds the case slot
and prevents disengagement of the arcuate gear segment and the
pinion, wherein the cover is held in engagement with the case
through at least one releasable cover fastener.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 and further including a
generally planar base, wherein the case is in fixed attached
engagement with the base, wherein the base includes a base opening,
wherein the key lock extends in the base opening.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the key lock includes
an externally threaded barrel and a barrel nut, wherein the lock
cylinder rotates within the barrel, wherein the barrel extends
through a barrel opening in the latch and through the base opening,
wherein the barrel is in engagement with the barrel nut and the
barrel nut is operative to hold the base and latch in engagement
with the key lock.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the case extends
outward from a first side of the base, and further including an
adhesive layer that extends on a second side of the base opposed of
the first side, wherein the adhesive layer is operative to engage
the latch and hold the base in fixed engagement with the latch.
6. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the plate is
rotatable about the cylinder axis, wherein the plate includes at
least one radially outward extending plate projection, wherein the
at least one plate projection is operative to limit rotational
movement of the plate by engagement of the at least one plate
projection and the case.
7. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the plate includes an
arcuate edge, wherein the arcuate gear segment is integral with the
arcuate edge.
8. The apparatus according to claim 3 and further including a cap,
wherein the cap is operatively engaged with the lock cylinder and
is rotatable therewith, wherein the cap includes an annular
radially extending face surface in relatively movable abutting
relation with the plate, a central cylindrical ring extending
axially outward from the face surface, wherein the projection
extends radially outward from the cylindrical ring and wherein the
slot is bounded radially inwardly by the cylindrical ring.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the cap includes an
axially central cap opening therethrough, a cap fastener, wherein
the cap fastener extends through the cap and is operative to hold
the cap in relatively fixed operative engagement with the lock
cylinder, and wherein the plate is in relatively movable rotational
engagement with the cap.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the cap includes two
diametrically opposed projections, wherein the plate includes two
opposed arcuate slots, wherein the plate is configured so that both
projections are in simultaneous engagement with both the first end
surfaces or the second end surfaces bounding the slots.
11. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the lock cylinder is
rotatable through an angle of at least 90.degree. without causing
movement of the plate.
12. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the latch condition
lever is in operative connection with a pin, wherein the pin
extends in movable relation in a lever slot, wherein movement of
the latch condition lever between the first condition lever
position and the second condition lever position is operative to
move the pin relative to the lever slot.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the lever slot
extends in an actuation lever, wherein the actuation lever is
rotatable about a pivot axis, and further including a disconnect
lever, wherein movement of the handle is operative to cause
movement of the disconnect lever, wherein the disconnect lever
includes a further lever slot, and is rotatable about the pivot
axis, and wherein the pin extends in movable relation in the
further lever slot, wherein in the first condition lever position
the pin is operative to cause the disconnect lever and the
actuation lever to rotate together about the pivot axis, wherein
rotation of the actuation lever is operative to cause the latch to
change from the latched condition to the unlatched condition, and
wherein in the second condition lever position rotation of the
disconnect lever about the pivot axis does not cause movement of
the actuation lever about the pivot axis.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13 and further including a
latch housing, wherein the handle is rotatable relative to the
latch housing, wherein the handle is manually engageable on a first
side of the latch housing, wherein the handle is in operative
connection with a trigger, wherein the trigger extends through the
latch housing to a second side of the latch housing, wherein the
trigger operatively movably engages the disconnect lever on the
second side of the latch housing.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13 and further including the
latch, wherein the latch includes a rotatable catch jaw and a
rotatable release pawl, wherein the catch jaw is rotatable between
a latched jaw position wherein the jaw is engaged with a post, and
unlatched jaw position wherein the jaw is disengageable from the
post, wherein the release pawl is rotatable between an engaged
position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position
the release pawl is operative to engage the catch jaw and hold the
catch jaw in the latched jaw position, wherein in the disengaged
position the release pawl is operative to allow the catch jaw to
move from the latched jaw position to the unlatched jaw position
wherein the post and the jaw can disengage, wherein movement of the
actuation lever about the pivot axis is operative to cause the
release pawl to move from the engaged position to the disengaged
position.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the release pawl
includes a step, wherein the actuation lever includes a projection,
wherein the actuation lever is operative to move the release pawl
between the engaged position and the disengaged position by engaged
movement of the projection and the step.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the case has a
releasable cover, wherein the releasable cover bounds the case slot
and prevents disengagement of the arcuate gear segment and the
pinion, wherein the cover is held in engagement with the case
through at least one releasable cover fastener, wherein the cover
includes at least one inward extending cover projection, wherein
the at least one inward extending cover projection is in operative
connection with the motor, wherein the at least one inward
extending cover projection holds the motor within the case.
18. Apparatus comprising: an actuator configured for use with a
latch, wherein the latch includes a movable latch condition lever,
wherein the latch condition lever is movable between a first
condition lever position and a second condition lever position,
wherein the latch includes a manually movable handle, wherein when
the latch condition lever is in the first condition lever position,
movement of the handle is operative to cause the latch to change
from a latched condition to an unlatched condition, wherein when
the latch condition lever is in the second condition lever
position, movement of the handle does not cause the latch to change
from the latched condition to the unlatched condition, wherein the
actuator includes a key lock, wherein the key lock includes a
rotatable lock cylinder, wherein the lock cylinder is rotatable
about a cylinder axis, wherein the lock cylinder is held immovable
in a first rotational cylinder position when a proper key is not in
operative engagement with the key lock, wherein the lock cylinder
is rotationally movable from the first rotational cylinder position
in a first rotational direction and in an opposed second rotational
direction when the proper key is in operative engagement with the
key lock, a projection, wherein the projection extends radially
outward relative to the cylinder axis and is in fixed operative
connection with the lock cylinder, a movable plate, wherein the
plate includes an arcuate slot, wherein the arcuate slot is bounded
at opposed ends of the slot by first and second radially extending
end surfaces, wherein the projection extends in the slot and is
movable therein between the first and second end surfaces without
causing plate movement, and wherein the plate is movable by the
projection through engagement of the projection and each of the
first and second end surfaces, wherein the plate is in operative
connection with the latch condition lever, an arcuate gear segment,
wherein the gear segment is in fixed operative connection with the
plate, a motor, a rotatable pinion in operative connection with the
motor, wherein the pinion is in operatively engaged connection with
the arcuate gear segment, wherein with the proper key in engagement
with the key lock responsive to rotation of the lock cylinder in
the first rotational direction from the first rotational cylinder
position, the projection is operative to move in the arcuate slot
and engage the first end surface of the slot to cause plate
movement and the latch condition lever to move from the second
condition lever position to the first condition lever position,
responsive to rotation of the lock cylinder in the second
rotational direction opposed of the first rotational direction from
the first rotational cylinder position, the projection is operative
to move in the arcuate slot and engage the second end surface of
the slot opposed of the first end surface, to cause plate movement
and the latch condition lever to move from the first condition
lever position to the second condition lever position, and wherein
with the proper key not in engagement with the key lock and the
lock cylinder held immovable in the first rotational cylinder
position, motor rotation in a first rotational motor direction is
operative to cause plate movement with the projection positioned in
the arcuate slot between the first and second end surfaces, and the
latch condition lever to move from the second condition lever
position to the first condition lever position, motor rotation in a
second rotational motor direction opposed of the first rotational
motor direction, is operative to cause plate movement with the
projection positioned in the arcuate slot between the first and
second end surfaces, and the latch condition lever to move from the
first condition lever position to the second condition lever
position.
19. Apparatus comprising a latch, wherein the latch includes a
rotatable catch jaw, wherein the catch jaw is rotatable between a
latched jaw position wherein the jaw is engaged with a post, and an
unlatched jaw position wherein the jaw is disengageable from the
post, a rotatable release pawl, wherein the release pawl is
rotatable between an engaged position in which the release pawl
engages the catch jaw and holds the catch jaw in the latched jaw
position, and a disengaged position, wherein in the disengaged
position the release pawl enables the catch jaw to move from the
latched jaw position to the unlatched jaw position, a manually
movable handle, a lock, wherein the lock includes a rotatable key
cylinder, wherein the key cylinder is rotatable by a proper key in
engagement therewith and is held rotationally immobile when the
proper key is not in engagement therewith, wherein the key cylinder
is in fixed operative connection with a radially extending
projection, a motor, a movable plate, wherein the movable plate
includes a slot, wherein the radially extending projection extends
in the slot and is relatively movable therein, wherein the movable
plate is in operative movable connection with both the motor and
the key cylinder, wherein the movable plate is movable between a
connected position and a disconnected position, wherein with the
plate in the connected position, manual movement of the handle is
operative to cause the release pawl to move from the engaged
position to the disengaged position, and wherein with the plate in
the disconnected position, manual movement of the handle is not
operative to cause the release pawl to move from the engaged
position to the disengaged position, wherein the motor and the key
cylinder are each operative to independently move the plate between
the connected position and the disconnected position, and wherein
with the key cylinder held rotationally immobile, the motor is
operative to move the plate between the connected position and the
disconnected position while the slot moves and the projection is
held stationary therein.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the slot is bounded
by two radially extending end surfaces, wherein each end surface is
at a respective end of the slot, and further including a gear
segment, wherein the gear segment is in operative connection with
the plate and the motor, a latch condition lever, wherein the latch
condition lever is in operative connection with the plate, wherein
the latch condition lever is movable between a first condition
lever position, and a second condition lever position, wherein the
latch condition lever is caused to be in the first condition lever
position when the plate is in the connected position, and caused to
be in the second condition lever position, when the plate is in the
disconnected position, wherein in the first condition lever
position the latch condition lever is operative responsive to
handle movement to cause movement of the release pawl, and wherein
in the second condition lever position the latch condition lever is
operative not to cause movement of the release pawl responsive to
handle movement, wherein with the motor not operative to move the
plate, the plate is movable between the connected position and the
disconnected position responsive to rotational movement of the key
cylinder and engaged movement of the projection and at least one of
the end surfaces of the slot.
21. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the slot is bounded
by two transverse end surfaces at opposed ends of the slot, and
further including a gear segment, wherein the gear segment is in
operative connection with the plate and the motor, a latch
condition lever, wherein the latch condition lever is in operative
connection with the plate, wherein the latch condition lever is
movable between a first condition lever position and a second
condition lever position, wherein the latch condition lever is in
the first condition lever position when the plate is in the
connected position, and in the second condition lever position when
the plate is in the disconnected position, wherein in the first
condition lever position the latch condition lever is operative
responsive to handle movement to cause movement of the release
pawl, and wherein in the second condition lever position the latch
condition lever is operative not to cause movement of the release
pawl responsive to handle movement, wherein with the motor not
operative to move the plate, the plate is movable between the
connected position and the disconnected position responsive to
rotational movement of the key cylinder and engaged movement of the
projection and at least one of the end surfaces of the slot.
22. Apparatus comprising: an actuator configured for use with a
latch, wherein the latch includes a movable latch condition lever,
wherein the latch condition lever is movable between a first
condition lever position and a second condition lever position,
wherein the latch includes a manually movable handle, wherein when
the latch condition lever is in the first condition lever position,
movement of the handle is operative to cause the latch to change
from a latched condition to an unlatched condition, and wherein
when the latch condition lever is in the second condition lever
position, movement of the handle does not cause the latch to change
from the latched condition to the unlatched condition, wherein the
actuator includes a key lock, wherein the key lock includes a
rotatable lock cylinder, wherein the lock cylinder is rotatable
about a cylinder axis, wherein the lock cylinder is held
rotationally immovable in a first rotational cylinder position when
a proper key is not in operative engagement with the key lock, and
wherein the lock cylinder is rotationally movable from the first
rotational cylinder position in a first rotational direction and in
an opposed second rotational direction when the proper key is in
operative engagement with the key lock, a projection, wherein the
projection extends radially outward relative to the cylinder axis
and is in fixed operative connection with the lock cylinder, a
movable plate, wherein the plate is in operative connection with
the latch condition lever, wherein the plate includes an arcuate
slot, wherein the arcuate slot is bounded at respective opposed
ends of the slot by first and second radially extending end
surfaces, wherein the projection extends in the slot and is movable
therein between the first and second end surfaces without causing
plate movement, and wherein the plate is movable by the projection
through engagement of the projection and each of the first and
second end surfaces, an arcuate gear segment, wherein the gear
segment is in fixed operative connection with the plate, a motor, a
rotatable pinion in operative connection with the motor, wherein
the pinion is in operatively engaged connection with the arcuate
gear segment, wherein with the proper key in engagement with the
key lock, responsive to rotation of the lock cylinder in the first
rotational direction from the first rotational cylinder position,
the projection is operative to move in the arcuate slot and engage
the first end surface of the slot to cause plate movement and the
latch condition lever to move from the second condition lever
position to the first condition lever position, and responsive to
rotation of the lock cylinder in the second rotational direction
opposed of the first rotational direction from the first rotational
cylinder position, the projection is operative to move in the
arcuate slot and engage the second end surface of the slot opposed
of the first end surface to cause plate movement and the latch
condition lever to move from the first condition lever position to
the second condition lever position, and wherein with the proper
key not in operative engagement with the key lock and the lock
cylinder held rotationally immovable in the first rotational
cylinder position, motor rotation in a first rotational motor
direction is operative to cause plate movement while the projection
is held in a rotationally immovable position in the arcuate slot
intermediate of the first and second end surfaces, and the latch
condition lever to move from the second condition lever position to
the first condition lever position, and motor rotation in a second
rotational motor direction opposed of the first rotational motor
direction, is operative to cause plate movement while the
projection is held in the rotationally immovable position in the
arcuate slot intermediate of the first and second end surfaces, and
the latch condition lever to move from the first condition lever
position to the second condition lever position.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the motor and the
pinion are housed in a case, wherein the case includes a case slot,
wherein the arcuate gear segment extends in the case slot and
engages the pinion within the case.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
Exemplary embodiments relate to a latch apparatus used to
selectively engage and release a member.
BACKGROUND
A latch apparatus may be used to selectively engage and release a
member such as a striker which is alternatively referred to herein
as a post, that is attached to a door or other closure member. A
latch apparatus may be configured to be selectively unlatched
through movement of a manually movable handle. The condition of a
latch apparatus may be secured through use of a locking device. The
locking device may be changed between locked and unlocked
conditions. For example, in an unlocked condition, the latch may be
disengaged from the striker responsive to movement of the handle.
However, in a locked condition the latch will not disengage the
striker even when the handle is moved in a manner that causes the
latch to disengage when the lock is in an unlocked condition.
Various configurations of latches may be utilized for different
types of strikers or other members. Latches may be used with
various types of locks including for example, key locks,
combination locks, motorized locks or other types of locks which
may be selectively placed in a locked and an unlocked
condition.
Latch apparatus may benefit from improvements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front, bottom, left side perspective view of an example
latch assembly.
FIGS. 2-4 show front views of the latch assembly with a handle in
different positions.
FIGS. 5-7 show side views of the latch assembly with the handle in
different positions.
FIG. 8 is a rear, bottom, left side perspective view of the example
latch assembly.
FIG. 8A is an exploded view corresponding to the main components
shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the example latch assembly.
FIGS. 10-12 are inside views of different configurations of a latch
mechanism of the example latch assembly in different
configurations.
FIGS. 13-15 are back views of the example latch assembly in
different configurations.
FIG. 16 is a rear, bottom, left side perspective view of the
example latch assembly showing a lock mechanism in a locked
configuration.
FIG. 17 is a front view of an alternative latch assembly without a
lock mechanism.
FIG. 18 is a rear view of the alternative latch assembly without a
lock mechanism.
FIG. 19 is flow diagram that illustrates an example methodology for
operating the latch assembly.
FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective back view of an exemplary latch
and actuator.
FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective front view of the latch shown in
FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a front plan view of the latch assembly.
FIG. 23 is a side view of the latch assembly.
FIG. 24 is a back view of the latch assembly.
FIG. 25 is a top view of the latch assembly.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a disconnect lever used in
exemplary latch assembly.
FIG. 27 is a back view of the latch assembly in an unlocked
condition.
FIG. 28 is a side view of the latch assembly in an unlocked
condition.
FIG. 29 is a top view of the latch assembly in an unlocked
condition.
FIG. 30 is a back view of the latch assembly in an unlocked
condition.
FIG. 31 is a back view of the latch assembly moved to a locked
condition through operation of an exemplary actuator.
FIG. 32 is a back view of a plate and cap used in an exemplary
embodiment in a first rotational position corresponding to an
unlocked condition of the latch.
FIG. 33 is a back view of the plate and cap with the plate in a
second rotational position corresponding to a locked condition of
the latch.
FIG. 34 is a back view of the plate with the cap rotated to engage
the end surfaces of the slots in the plate and to rotate the plate
to a position corresponding to a locked condition of the latch.
FIG. 35 is a back view of the plate with the cap rotated to engage
the end surfaces of the slots in the plate and to rotate the plate
to a position corresponding to an unlocked condition of the
latch.
FIG. 36 is a top front perspective view of the actuator case and
cover.
FIG. 37 is a top back perspective view of the actuator case and
cover.
FIG. 38 is a bottom front perspective view of the actuator case and
cover.
FIG. 39 is a bottom back perspective view of the actuator case and
cover.
FIG. 40 is a front view of the motor, transmission and pinion shaft
assembly of an exemplary actuator.
FIG. 41 is a top view of the motor, transmission and pinion shaft
assembly.
FIG. 42 is a right-side view of the motor and transmission
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various arrangements pertaining to latch assemblies will now be
described with reference to the drawings, where like reference
numerals represent like elements throughout. Also, it is to be
understood that functionality that is described as being carried
out by certain components may be performed by multiple components.
Similarly, multiple components that may be configured to perform
the functionality that is described may have the functionality
carried out by a single component. The disclosures of U.S. Pat.
Nos. 9,611,678; 9,238,925; and 6,513,353 are each incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
With reference to FIG. 1, an example embodiment 100 of a latch
assembly 102 is illustrated. The latch assembly includes a housing
104 to which is mounted a release mechanism 106 and a latch
mechanism 108. The release mechanism 106 includes a pivoting handle
110 on a front side of the housing. The latch mechanism 108 is
mounted on the rear side of the housing. Operation of the release
mechanism is operative to cause the latch mechanism to operate. In
this example the latch assembly 102 corresponds to a paddle handle
latch. However, it should be noted that the features described
herein for the latch assembly 102 may be used on other types of
latch assemblies that include release mechanisms with user operated
handles.
In an example embodiment, the housing 104 includes a receptacle
112. The handle 110 is operative to pivot between a retracted
position and an extended position (shown in FIG. 1) relative to the
receptacle. In the extended position, the handle extends relatively
farther out of the receptacle than when in the retracted
position.
To further illustrate the operation of the handle, FIGS. 2, 3, and
4 show front views 200, 300, 400 of the latch assembly 102 with the
handle 110 respectively shown in retracted, intermediate, and
extended positions. Here the intermediate position of the handle
corresponds to a partially extended orientation of the handle
between the retracted and extended positions. Also, FIGS. 5, 6, and
7, show corresponding side views 500, 600, 700 of the latch
assembly 102 with the handle respectively shown in the retracted,
intermediate, and extended positions.
In an example embodiment, the latch mechanism may be operable to
change between a latched condition and an unlatched condition
responsive to the handle being moved from the retracted position
toward the extended position. For example, starting from the
latched condition, the latch mechanism 102 will have the
configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 with the handle 110 in a
retracted position. To unlatch the latch mechanism, a user may pull
on the handle which moves the handle 110 through the intermediate
position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to an extended position shown in
FIGS. 4 and 7. Then upon the user letting go of the handle 110, the
latch mechanism is operative to automatically move the handle back
to the intermediate position shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, where the
handle is operative to remain until the latch mechanism is again
placed in a latched condition. As will be explained in more detail
below, in the exemplary arrangement the visual appearance of the
handle in the intermediate position or an extended position serves
as a visual indication that the handle is not in a latched
condition.
Also, it should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the
described latch assembly may include a lock mechanism 114 that is
configured to change between a locked condition and an unlocked
condition. In the unlocked condition, the lock mechanism may be
operative to permit movement of the handle 110 toward the extended
position to cause the latch to change from a latched to an
unlatched condition. However, when the lock mechanism is in the
locked configuration, movement of handle to the extended position
will not cause the latch mechanism to change to an unlatched
configuration.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the exemplary lock mechanism 114
includes a lock that includes a rotatable cylinder 116 that is
operative to receive a key. Rotation of the key and the lock
cylinder is operative to cause the lock to change between its
locked and unlocked conditions. However, it should be appreciated
that alternative embodiments may include different types of lock
mechanisms mounted to the housing 104 and/or off of the housing
(and connected via linkages/rods to the latch assembly). Also, it
should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the latch
assembly may not include or be connected to a lock mechanism. Also,
it should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements of the
example embodiments described herein, additional release mechanisms
may be connected to the latch assembly via one or more
linkages/rods in a manner that enables the additional release
mechanisms to control the operation of the lock mechanism and/or
the latch mechanism.
As shown in FIG. 1, example embodiments of the latch assembly 102
may include a spring 118 that is positioned to urge the handle 110
to move from the retracted position toward the extended position.
Such a spring may correspond to a coil spring mounted around a
shaft 120 about which the handle 110 is configured to pivot. Such a
shaft may extend across the width of the receptacle and extend
through apertures in the housing on opposed sides of the handle
110. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments the handle may be mounted in pivoting relation with the
housing 104 in a manner that does not include a shaft extending
across the receptacle 112 or in other configurations. In such
alternative embodiments, one or more springs may be mounted to the
housing and/or handle in a different configuration via one or more
fasteners so as to be operative to urge the handle to move from the
retracted position toward the extended position.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view 800 of a rear side of the housing 104.
FIG. 8 and FIG. 1 show the latch assembly with the latch mechanism
108 in the unlatched configuration and with the release mechanism
106 in a release configuration. FIG. 1 shows the handle 110 in the
extended position. Also, FIG. 8 and FIG. 1 show the lock mechanism
114 in an unlocked state.
In this described example embodiment, the latch mechanism 108
includes a latch member which is alternatively referred to as a
rotary latch 802. Such a rotary latch 802 is operative to rotate
clockwise and downwardly as shown in FIG. 8 to a latched positioned
that is operative to hold a post or striker 806 (schematically
shown in broken lines) in a channel, such as a "U" shaped notch 804
extending in a pair of disposed wall/plates 1002 of the rotary
latch 802.
The described latch assembly may be configured such that when a
lower portion of the handle 110 is manually lifted/pivoted (by a
user) to the extended position, a trigger 808 connected to the
handle 110 is operative to move in a manner that causes the latch
mechanism 108 to unlatch an engaged striker 806. In the exemplary
embodiment the trigger movement causes the rotary latch 802 to
rotate counter-clockwise and upwardly to the position shown in FIG.
8.
The exemplary trigger extends through an aperture 810 through a
wall of the receptacle 112 of the housing 104. The trigger
operatively extends from the handle positioned on a front side of
the housing and is engageable with further portions of the release
mechanism 106 positioned on the rear side of the housing.
The further portions of the exemplary release mechanism 106 may
include at least one linkage or lever in pivoting operatively
supporting connection with the housing. For example, in this
exemplary embodiment, the further portions of the release mechanism
106 include a first member, lever or linkage referred to herein as
a disconnect lever 812, and a second member, lever or linkage 814
referred to herein as an actuation or actuator lever 814. In the
exemplary arrangement these levers are in relative pivoting
connection with the housing about a common pivot location 836.
Positioned at such a pivot location 836 may be a shoulder rivet,
bolt or shaft that extends through apertures in these levers and
into operative engagement with the housing. As shown in FIG. 8A,
suitable washers are positioned to facilitate rotation of the
disconnect lever 812 and the actuator lever 814 about the common
axis that extends through the fastener at the pivot location
836.
In the exemplary embodiment when the lock mechanism 104 is in an
unlocked condition, the pivoting of the handle (from the retracted
to the extended position) is operative to cause the trigger 808 to
move downwardly on the back side of the housing. The trigger
engages and causes the disconnect lever 812 to move/pivot in a
direction that causes the actuator lever 814 to move/pivot in a
direction that causes the latch mechanism 108 to change to its
unlatched condition.
In this example, the exemplary actuation lever 814 includes a
projection 816 that extends adjacent portions of the latch
mechanism 108 such as a rotary pawl 818. As the actuation lever
pivots (responsive to the handle), the projection 816 is positioned
to urge the rotary pawl to move/rotate to a position that permits
the rotary latch 802 to rotate so as to disengage an engaged
striker. A spring 820 included in the latch mechanism 108 urges the
rotary latch 802 to rotate to the unlatched configuration position
shown in FIG. 8.
Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the exemplary release mechanism also
includes a spring 822. This spring is operative to bias the
disconnect lever 812 towards the trigger 808. Such an arrangement
may operatively urge the trigger to move the handle toward its
retracted position. However, in this exemplary embodiment, when the
release mechanism is in the unlatched position shown in FIG. 8, the
rotary pawl 818 is operative to prevent the spring 822 from causing
the disconnect lever 812 from moving back to its initial position
from the actuating position in which it changes the condition of
the latch. The inability of the disconnect lever to return to the
initial position prevents the trigger and the attached handle from
moving all the way to the retracted position of the handle. Rather,
the exemplary configuration of the exemplary rotary pawl 818 is
operative when the latch is in the unlatched configuration, to
limit the movement of the handle 110 in response to spring 822 to
only the intermediate position shown in FIGS. 6 and 3. Also, it
should be appreciated that in this exemplary arrangement, the
spring 118 associated with the handle (shown in FIG. 1) also urges
the handle 110 to remain at the intermediate position so that it
does not pivot back to the retracted position due to gravitational
forces. It should be understood that while in the exemplary
embodiment the handle is biased to an intermediate position, in
alternative embodiments the handle may be biased to other
positions, including without limitation, to the extended
position.
FIG. 9 shows a top view 900 of the exemplary latch assembly 102 in
order to more clearly show an example configuration of the latch
mechanism 108 in the previously described unlatched condition. In
this example, the rotary pawl 818 includes a recess or channel such
as a "U" shaped notch 902 bounded by a first step or arm 904 and a
second step or arm 906 which extend outwardly from the rotary pawl.
The projection 816 of the actuation lever extends into the notch
902 between the first and second arms 904 and 906. Alternatively in
other embodiments interengaging projections and recesses of other
configurations may be used, and the positions of such features on
the respective elements may be reversed or otherwise changed.
When the exemplary latch mechanism is in the unlatched condition,
the features of the rotary pawl 818 that prevent the disconnect
lever (shown in FIG. 8) from moving the trigger/handle to the
retracted position include the configuration of the second arm 906.
In the unlatched condition the second arm 906 engages and prevents
the projection 816 from moving to the right as shown in FIG. 9. The
arm 906 prevents the actuation lever and disconnect lever from
rotating an amount necessary to cause the handle to be moved to the
retracted position. Rather, the second arm 906 maintains the
projection in a position that allows the handle to remain in the
intermediate position.
To show an example operation of the exemplary latch mechanism more
clearly, FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are internal top views 1000, 1100,
1200 of the latch assembly when the handle 110 is in the respective
retracted, intermediate, and extended positions. These internal
views show the catch jaw or rotary latch 802 and the release pawl
818 absent the outside cover of the latch mechanism. In FIG. 10,
the latch mechanism 108 is shown in a latched condition. In FIGS.
11 and 12, the latch mechanism is shown in the unlatched
condition.
Also, to show an example operation of the release mechanism on the
rear side of the housing more clearly, FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are
back views 1300, 1400, 1500 of the latch assembly when the handle
is in the respective retracted, intermediate, and extended
positions.
Referring to FIG. 10, when the latch mechanism is in the latched
condition, the catch jaw or latch member 802 is rotationally
positioned in a latched position such that the open end of the
notch 804 is substantially bounded by surfaces 1001 on each
wall/plate 1002 of the latch mechanism, only one of which is shown.
Thus, in this position, a post or striker 806 is captured and
remains engaged with the latch mechanism, and any door or hatch
operatively connected to the striker is prevented from moving to an
open position. In this latched configuration, a further projection
1004 on pawl 818 is operative to extend in and engage a further
notch 1006 in the catch jaw of the rotary latch. The engagement of
the projection 1004 in the notch 1006 prevents the catch jaw or
rotary latch from rotating responsive to forces acting through the
striker (e.g., a user attempting to open a door attached to the
striker). Also, in this latched configuration, the second arm 906
of the rotary pawl is in a rotational position that enables the
projection 816 of the actuation lever 814 to be in a position that
enables the release mechanism to urge the handle to the retracted
position.
FIG. 13 shows the relative positions of the actuation lever 814,
disconnect lever 812 and trigger 810 when the latch mechanism is in
the latched configuration and the handle is in the retracted
position. As shown in FIG. 13, the spring 822 biases the disconnect
lever 812 so as to rotate upwardly and thereby push the trigger 810
upwardly, which places the handle in the retracted position.
When a user pulls the handle outwardly to its maximum extension
with respect to the receptacle of the housing, the trigger moves
downwardly through the position shown in FIG. 14 (e.g., the
intermediate position of the handle) to the position shown in FIG.
15 (the extended position of the handle). This handle movement
causes the trigger to push against the disconnect lever 812 causing
it to pivot clockwise as shown from FIG. 13 to FIG. 15. Also, when
the lock mechanism 114 is in the unlocked configuration shown in
FIGS. 13-15, the clockwise movement of the disconnect lever is
operative to move the actuation lever 814 in the clockwise
direction as well. As a result, the projection 816 on the actuation
lever rotates clockwise and engages the surface bounding first step
or arm 904 and urges the rotary release pawl 818 to move from an
engaged position in which the pawl holds the catch jaw latch member
in a latched position, to a release position in which the pawl
releases the catch jaw or rotary latch 802 to move to an unlatched
position.
For example, referring back to FIGS. 10-12, as the projection 816
moves in this described manner, the projection pushes the surface
bounding the first step or arm 904 which causes the rotary pawl 818
to rotate clockwise from the engaged position shown in FIG. 10
through the release position shown in FIG. 11 and to the release
position shown in FIG. 12. As the further projection 1004 of the
rotary pawl rotates out of and disengages the further notch 1006 in
the rotary latch, the catch jaw or latch member becomes free to
move (responsive to a spring) so as to rotate clockwise from the
latched position shown in FIG. 10, through the position shown in
FIG. 11, to the unlatched position shown in FIG. 12.
When the user that is pulling on the handle lets go of the handle,
the spring 822 (connected to the disconnect lever) is operative to
cause the trigger to move upwardly at least a small amount. This
movement of the trigger causes the disconnect lever, actuation
lever, and rotary pawl to move counterclockwise at least a small
amount to the positions shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 which corresponds
to the intermediate position of the handle. However, further
upwardly/counterclockwise movement of these elements is stopped at
this position as a result of the further projection 1004 of the
rotary pawl (shown in FIG. 11) contacting an edge bounding the
rotary latch. This edge stops the rotary pawl from moving from the
release position further counterclockwise back to the engaged
position. As a result, the second arm 906 of the rotary pawl is
operative to prevent further counterclockwise movement of the
actuator lever and disconnect lever responsive to the biasing force
of the spring 822.
Referring to FIG. 11, when a user closes a door/hatch that is
operatively attached to the striker such that the striker 806 moves
toward the latch mechanism, the force of the moving striker is
operative to engage in the notch 804 and act on the rotary latch
802 and cause the rotary latch to rotate further counterclockwise
as shown back to the position shown in FIG. 10. The rotation of the
rotary latch to the latched condition places the further notch 1006
of the rotary latch in a position capable of receiving and engaging
the further projection 1004 of the rotary pawl. Thus, with the
rotary latch moving to this latched position, the rotary pawl
rotates counterclockwise responsive to a spring (e.g., spring 822
and/or spring 820 shown in FIG. 8) from the release position to the
engaged position so as to place the further projection in
engagement with the further notch 1006.
In addition, as the rotary pawl rotates counterclockwise, the
second arm 906 rotates counterclockwise to the position shown in
FIG. 10. This enables the actuator lever, disconnect lever, trigger
and handle to return to the positions shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13
(which correspond to the retracted position of the handle).
When the handle is in the extended position (see FIG. 7) or the
intermediate position (see FIG. 6), the outwardly
projecting/extending/angled orientation of the handle 110 relative
to the housing 104 is of a sufficient degree to be visually
apparent to a user of the latch assembly. In addition, to enhance
the visual notification of the handle in the intermediate or
extended positions, an example embodiment may further include at
least one indicator surface on the handle that has a high visual
contrast relative to other portions of the latch assembly such as
the front facing surface of the handle and housing. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, such an indicator surface may include
adhesive labels 602 (having an orange, red, or other coloring or
combination of colors). Such labels may be adhesively mounted to
opposed side walls 604 of the handle 110 on opposed ends of the
front facing surface of the handle.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the exemplary handle is in the retracted
position with the latch mechanism in a latched configuration, such
high contrast labels are not readily visible because they are
disposed inside the walls bounding the receptacle of the housing.
The inability to view such high contrast labels (especially from a
sideways vantage point) may serve as a visual indicator that the
door/hatch to which the latch assembly is mounted is closed and
latched properly.
However in the exemplary arrangement, when the high contrast labels
are visible by the handle sides extending out of the receptacle,
such labels may serve as a visual indicator that the door or hatch
is unlatched. Thus, for example, when the door to which the latch
assembly is mounted appears closed but is not latched properly, the
handle will be in the intermediate position shown in FIG. 6 and the
visibility of the high contrast labels will serve as a warning that
the door is not latched and needs to be properly closed.
In alternative embodiments, it should be appreciated that rather
than labels, other types of high contrast elements may be applied
to or integrated into the side walls 604 of the handle such as
brightly colored paint, plastics, or any other material that forms
a high contrast warning that the latch assembly is not yet latched.
Alternatively other approaches to having an indicator that visibly
shows that the latch assembly is not in the latched condition may
be used. Such approaches may include for example other types of
indicators on the handle sides or within the receptacle, for
example.
In the configuration of the latch assembly shown in FIGS. 1-15, the
lock mechanism 114 has been shown in an unlocked condition. As
shown in FIG. 8, the example lock mechanism 114 may include a plate
or cam 824 that rotates with the rotation of a portion of the lock
cylinder 116 that can be turned via a corresponding proper key. In
addition, the exemplary lock mechanism includes a lock arm 826 in
pivoting connection with the cam via a pin 827. An end of the lock
arm disposed from the cam includes a movable member in the form of
a pin 828 that extends in movable relation through slots 830, 832
in the actuator lever 814 and disconnect lever 812,
respectively.
When the lock mechanism is in the unlocked condition, the pin 828
extends in a lower portion of the slots 830, 832 that is disposed
away from the pivot location 836. The walls bounding the slots 830
and 832 are disposed apart somewhat further than the diameter of
pin 828 such that the pin is movable relative to the slots. In the
position of the pin shown in FIG. 8, the pin serves to operatively
connect in engaged relation the disconnect lever 812 and the
actuator lever 814 such that these levers rotate together in the
clockwise direction. Thus, when the handle 110 is moved to the
extended position, the actuator lever 814 rotates in a
corresponding manner responsive to rotation of the disconnect lever
812.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view 1600 of the rear of the exemplary
latch assembly 102 when the lock mechanism is in a locked position.
In this configuration, the rotation of the cam 824 has moved the
lock arm 826 upwardly compared to the position shown in FIG. 8. In
this configuration the pin 828 has moved to an upper portion of the
slots 830, 832. As shown in FIG. 8A, the slot 832 in the disconnect
lever includes a relatively wider upper portion 833 in proximity to
the common pivot 836. For example, this wider upper portion 833 of
the slot 832 of the disconnect lever extends outwardly beyond the
wall bounding slot 830 of the actuator lever 814 and toward the
side of the disconnect lever that engages the trigger 808.
The relatively wider upper portion 833 of the slot 832 enables the
disconnect lever 812 to pivot counterclockwise without
correspondingly moving the actuator lever 814. Thus, when the lock
mechanism is selectively placed in the locked condition, the pin
828 is selectively positioned relative to both slots 830 and 832 so
as to be closer to the pivot. In this position of the pin 828, the
pin is aligned with the wider portion 833 of slot 832. With the pin
828 in this position, movement of the handle 110 (as shown in FIG.
16) to the extended position only causes the disconnect lever 812
to rotate counterclockwise as the walls bounding relatively wider
upper portion 833 of the slot 832 does not engage the pin 828 and
urge the pin to move. Because the pin 828 does not move when the
disconnect lever moves, the actuation lever 814 also does not move.
As a result, the projection 816 does not move the rotary pawl 818
and the latch mechanism 108 remains in the latched configuration.
Thus, when the lock mechanism is in the locked condition, the
handle may be moved back and forth between the retracted and
extended position without causing the condition of latch mechanism
to change to the unlatched condition.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 16, it should be noted that the exemplary
disconnect lever 812 includes a projection that is referred to as a
flange 834. The flange 834 is operative to engage an edge 838 of
the actuator lever 814. When the actuator lever is prevented from
pivoting counterclockwise as a result of the latch mechanism being
in the unlatched condition such as in FIG. 11, the edge of the
actuator lever 814 contacts the flange 834 and prevents the flange
and disconnect lever from rotating further counterclockwise
responsive to the biasing force of spring 822. Thus, this described
flange operates to prevent the disconnect lever from rotating
counterclockwise. As a result the flange operates to transmit force
and movement in one direction but not in the opposed direction.
This avoids the need to rely on the pin 828 alone to carry out this
function. As a result, fatigue and potentially eventual shearing of
the pin that might otherwise occur is avoided.
It should be further noted that if the locking mechanism is placed
in a locked condition (with the pin in the upper portions of the
slots 830, 832) while the latch mechanism remains in the unlatched
configuration shown in FIG. 8, the flange 834 is also operative to
maintain the disconnect lever 812 in a position that maintains the
handle in the intermediate position. Further, in this intermediate
position, pushing the handle to the retracted position or pulling
the handle to the extended position will not place additional
stress on the mechanism components or change the positions of
components of the latch mechanism 108.
It should be appreciated that some alternative embodiments of a
latch assembly may not include a locking mechanism. As a result,
the exemplary release mechanism described previously may have a
different configuration compared to that shown in FIGS. 1-16. For
example, FIG. 17 is a front view 1700 and FIG. 18 is a back view
1800 of an alternative embodiment of a latch assembly 1702 that
does not include a lock mechanism. As shown in FIG. 18, rather than
having separate actuation and disconnect levers as described in
previous embodiments, the example latch assembly 1702 includes one
lever 1802 with features from these previously described actuation
and disconnect levers. Such a lever 1802 includes a projection 1804
that engages with the rotary pawl 1806 of a latch mechanism 1808
such as described in prior example embodiments. As is the case with
levers 812 and 814 of the prior embodiments, lever 1802 rotates and
moves in a plane.
In addition, in this exemplary embodiment the lever 1802 includes
an end 1810 that is operative to engage and be moved by a trigger
1812 like that described in prior example embodiments. Also, the
latch assembly 1702 includes a spring 1814 that is operative to
urge the lever to rotate the first end 1810 towards the trigger
1812. The exemplary a lever 1802 is in pivoting connection with the
housing of the latch assembly via a fastener such as a shoulder
rivet or bolt 1816 mounted through an aperture in the lever to the
housing of the latch assembly. In addition, to further support the
lever and prevent the lever from twisting, the exemplary latch
assembly includes a support bracket 1818 that extends across a body
portion 1820 of the lever. The bracket and body portion serve as an
interengaging guide and guide slot that guide the lever to move in
its plane of movement and prevent movement transverse to the
plane.
With reference now to FIG. 19, an example methodology is
illustrated and described. While the methodologies are described as
being a series of acts that are performed in a sequence, it is to
be understood that the methodologies are not limited by the order
of the sequence. For instance, some acts may occur in a different
order than what is described herein. In addition, an act may occur
concurrently with another act. Furthermore, in some instances, not
all acts may be required to implement a methodology described
herein.
Referring now to FIG. 19, a methodology 1900 that facilitates
operating the previously described latch apparatus is illustrated.
The methodology 1900 begins at 1902, and at 1904 includes a handle
of a release mechanism included in a latch assembly, moving from a
retracted position to an extended position with respect to a
receptacle in a housing of the latch assembly. As discussed
previously, the housing may include a front side and an opposed
rear side. Also, the housing may include the receptacle on the
front side of the housing. In addition, the latch assembly may
include a latch mechanism mounted to the rear side of the
housing.
The methodology may also include a step 1906 in which the latch
mechanism changes from a latched condition to an unlatched
condition responsive to the handle moving in step 1904. At step
1908, while the latch mechanism is in the unlatched condition, the
latch mechanism maintains the release mechanism in a configuration
that is operable to maintain the handle away from the retracted
position.
In addition, at step 1910, the exemplary latch mechanism changes
from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration, and
at step 1912, responsive to changing to the latched configuration
in step 1910, the latch mechanism enables the release mechanism to
cause the handle to move to the retracted position. At step 1914
the methodology ends.
It should also be noted that this example methodology may include
one or more of the functions and features of the latch assemblies
described previously. For example, the methodology may include
additional steps associated with a lock assembly changing between
an unlocked and a locked configuration.
FIGS. 20-25 show an alternative example embodiment of a latch
assembly 202. Similar to the previously described latch assemblies,
latch assembly 202 includes a housing 204. As shown in FIG. 21 a
pivoting handle 206 is movably mounted in connection with the
housing 204.
Similar to previously described embodiments the assembly includes a
latch 208. The latch includes a catch jaw 210. The catch jaw is
rotatably movably mounted relative to the latch in a manner like
that previously discussed, and includes a U-shaped notch which is
engageable with the striker or post. The exemplary striker or post
is in engagement with a closure member or other member that is
selectively engaged with or released from engagement with the
latch. The exemplary latch 208 further includes a release pawl 212.
Similar to the release pawl in the previously described
embodiments, the release pawl 212 is configured to be movable
between an engaged position in which it holds the catch jaw in a
latched jaw position, and a disengaged position in which the
release pawl enables the catch jaw to move to an unlatched jaw
position in which the striker or post is enabled to move out of the
U-shaped notch in the catch jaw.
Similar to previously described embodiment, the latch assembly 202
further includes an actuation lever 214. Similar to actuation lever
814 previously discussed, actuation lever 214 is rotatable about a
pivot axis 216. Similar to actuation lever 814, actuation lever 214
includes a projection which is operative to engage a step on the
release pawl 212. Rotation of the actuation lever 214 is operative
to move the release pawl through engagement with the pawl step,
from the engaged position in which the release pawl holds the catch
jaw in a latched jaw position, to a disengaged position of the
release pawl in which the catch jaw is movable to the unlatched
position. The actuation lever includes an elongated slot 218.
The latch assembly further includes a disconnect lever 220. In an
exemplary embodiment the disconnect lever 220 is similar to
disconnect lever 812 of the previously discussed embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 26, the exemplary disconnect lever is rotatable about
the pivot axis 216. Disconnect lever 220 includes a further lever
slot 222. Similar to disconnect lever 812, the further lever slot
222 of disconnect lever 220 includes an enlarged portion 224
adjacent its upper end.
The latch assembly further includes a movable latch condition lever
226. In the exemplary embodiment latch condition lever 226 is
similar to lock arm 826 of the previously described embodiment.
Latch condition lever 226 is in operative connection with a pin
228. Pin 228 extends in elongated slot 218 of actuation lever 214
and in the further lever slot 222 of disconnect lever 220. Latch
condition lever 226 further includes an opening 230 at an end
opposed of pin 228. Opening 230 is sized to receive a pin 232
therein.
Similar to the previously described embodiment, the handle 206 is
in operative connection with a trigger 234 that extends through an
elongated slot in the housing 204. A spring 236 biases the
disconnect lever 220 in a counterclockwise direction about the
pivot axis 216 as shown in FIG. 20. Movement of the handle 206
outward from housing from the position shown in FIG. 22 to the
position shown in FIG. 28 causes the trigger 234 to engage the
disconnect lever 220. Movement of the trigger 234 causes the
disconnect lever 220 to rotate in a clockwise direction against the
biasing force of the spring 236 as shown in FIG. 20.
When the pin 228 is positioned in the lower portion as shown of the
elongated slot 218 in the actuation lever 214 and in the lower
portion of the further lever slot 222 in the disconnect lever 220,
rotational movement of the disconnect lever 220 by the trigger
causes movement of the actuation lever 214. Such movement of the
actuation lever causes the projection thereon to move the release
pawl 212 relative to the catch jaw from the engaged position to the
disengaged position. Such movement of the release pawl causes the
catch jaw 210 to be movable from the latched jaw position to the
unlatched jaw position. Such movement of the catch jaw enables the
striker or post to be disengaged therefrom.
Similar to previously described embodiment, when the latch
condition lever 226 is positioned with pin 228 disposed in the
upward area as shown of the elongated slot 218 of the actuation
lever 214 and in the enlarged portion 224 at the upper portion of
the further lever slot 222 in the disconnect lever 220, movement of
the disconnect lever by the trigger does not cause movement of the
actuation lever 214. This is because the pin 228 extends in the
enlarged slot portion 224 of the disconnect lever as the disconnect
lever moves responsive to movement of the trigger. As a result
movement of the disconnect lever 220 is not transmitted to the
actuation lever 214 and the actuation lever 214 remains stationary.
As a result the actuation lever does not change the position of the
release pawl 212 and the catch jaw 210 remains latched in
engagement with the striker or post.
The exemplary latch assembly further includes a lock 238. The
exemplary lock comprises a keylock 240. Keylock 240 can be changed
between the locked and unlocked conditions through engagement with
a proper key 242. Keylock 240 includes a rotatable lock cylinder
244. Lock cylinder 244 includes a slot 246 which is configured to
receive the key 242 therein. The lock cylinder 244 extends in and
is rotationally movable within a cylindrical lock barrel 248. Lock
barrel 248 extends through an opening in the housing 204. Lock
barrel 248 is externally threaded and is engageable by a barrel nut
250. The barrel nut 250 is operative to hold the lock barrel in
engagement with the housing in a manner later discussed.
The lock cylinder 244 is engaged with a cylinder cap 252. The
cylinder cap 252 includes a recess 254 in its inner side which is
generally rectangular in shape. The recess 254 receives a
rectangular projection 256 that extends axially outward on the back
face of the lock cylinder 244. The engagement of the projection and
recess are operative to maintain the cylinder cap 252 in generally
fixed relative angular relation with the lock cylinder. As a result
when the proper key 242 is inserted in the lock cylinder, the
cylinder 244 and the cap 252 are rotatable together with rotation
of the key about an axis 296. When the key is disengaged from lock
cylinder, the lock cylinder and the cap are in an immovable fixed
rotational position.
A fastener 258 extends through an opening 260 in cap 252. The
fastener 258 includes a threaded portion that threadably engages a
threaded recess 262 in the lock cylinder 244. The fastener 258 also
extends through a plate 264. Plate 264 includes an opening 266
through which the fastener 258 extends. In the exemplary
arrangement the fastener 258 includes a head portion 268 that is
sized to overlie the opening 266 in the plate 264. Further in the
exemplary arrangement the fastener is configured to enable the
plate 264 to rotationally move relative to the cap 252 in a manner
later discussed.
As shown in FIG. 20 cap 252 includes a generally flat face surface
270. The plate 264 is rotationally movable in abutting relation
with the face surface. An annular ring 272 extends axially outward
from face surface 270. The opening 260 through which the fastener
258 extends is concentric with the annular ring 272. A pair of
diametrically opposed projections 274, 276 extend radially outward
from the annular ring 272 as shown in FIGS. 32-35.
As shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 the opening 266 in plate 264
includes a pair of arcuate portions 278, 280. The arcuate portions
278, 280 are in generally close fitting relation with the annular
outer surface of ring 272 of cap 252. An arcuate slot 282 extends
between radially extending end surfaces 286, 288. Arcuate slot 282
extends through an angle of at least 90.degree. and is sized to
enable projection 274 to move therein. An arcuate slot 290 extends
between radially extending end surfaces 292, 294. Arcuate slot 290
extends through an angle of at least 90.degree. and is configured
to enable projection 276 to move therein. In the exemplary
arrangement the head portion 268 of fastener 258 overlies arcuate
slots 282 and 290 and holds the plate 264 in movable engagement
with the cap 252. This enables the plate 264 to be rotationally
movable relative to the axis 296 of the lock cylinder 244.
Exemplary plate 264 includes an arcuate edge 298. Arcuate edge 298
includes an arcuate gear segment 302. Plate 264 further includes a
radially outward extending plate projection 304. Plate 264 further
includes an opening 306. Pin 232 extends through opening 306 and is
in connection with the latch condition lever 226.
The latch apparatus further includes an actuator 308. Actuator 308
includes a motor 310. The motor 310 is in operative connection with
electrical leads 312 which are operative to supply power to the
motor. As best shown in FIG. 40 the motor is in operative
connection with a transmission 314. Exemplary transmission 314
includes a plurality of gears that connect the rotatable output
shaft of the motor with a pinion shaft 316. The transmission 314 is
operative to reduce the speed output by the motor for purposes of
rotating the pinion shaft 316. The pinion shaft is in operative
connection with a pinion 318. The pinion 318 is held in fixed
connection with the pinion shaft 316 via a set screw or other
fastening device.
The actuator 308 further includes a case 320. The case includes an
interior area 322 in which the motor 310, transmission 314 and
pinion 318 are positioned. In the exemplary arrangement the case
includes an integrally formed base 324. The base extends generally
transversely relative to the portion of the case 320 housing the
motor. The base includes a base opening 326. The barrel 248 of the
keylock 240 extends through the base opening 326. In the exemplary
arrangement a bottom surface 328 of the base abuts a generally
planar portion 330 of the backside of the housing 204 that extends
adjacent to the lock barrel 248. In an exemplary arrangement an
adhesive layer 332 is adhered to the bottom surface 328 and holds
the base 324 in engagement with the planar portion 330 of the
housing. In addition, in the exemplary arrangement the barrel nut
250 is engaged with the threaded barrel and is in abutting
engagement with the base to hold the base in sandwiched engagement
between the nut and the housing.
The exemplary actuator 308 further includes a case cover 334. The
case cover 334 is releasably engaged with the case 320. Fasteners
336 are used to hold the case 320 and the case cover 334 in
engagement. The exemplary case cover further includes an inward
extending projection 338. Projection 338 is operative to engage and
hold the motor, transmission and pinion assembly in the proper
position within the interior area 322 of the case.
In the assembled condition of the actuator 308, the case 320 and
the case cover 334 are operative to bound a slot 340. Slot 340 is a
laterally extending slot that is sized to enable the arcuate gear
segment 302 of the plate 264 to extend therein. The arcuate gear
segment engages the pinion 318 in the interior area of the case of
the actuator through the slot 340. This configuration helps to
guide the gear segment through its rotational range of motion and
prevent the gear segment from disengaging from the pinion. Of
course this approach is exemplary and other embodiments other
approaches may be used.
In the exemplary arrangement the actuator 308 enables the condition
of the latch to be changed between the locked and unlocked
conditions while the keylock remains locked. Further in the
exemplary arrangement the latch is enabled to be changed between
the locked and unlocked conditions by changing the condition of the
lock through rotation of a proper key in engagement with the lock,
without electrical actuation of the actuator.
The rear of the latch assembly is shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. In
these figures the case cover 334 of the actuator is shown as being
removed so that the motor and pinion are visible. As previously
discussed, during operation of the actuator the case cover 334
would be installed in engagement with the case 302 so as to assure
engagement of the plate 264 and the pinion 318. As shown in FIGS.
30 and 31 the cylinder of the lock is held immovable in a first
rotational cylinder position. This would be a position when the
proper key is not engaged with the lock and would generally
correspond to a locked condition of the lock. As shown in FIG. 31,
the plate 264 is rotationally positioned so that the plate
projection 304 is in abutting engagement with the outside surface
of the case 320. In this position the latch condition lever 226 is
positioned such that the pin 228 is disposed upwardly in the
elongated slot 218 and the further lever slot 222. As previously
discussed, in this position of the pin and latch condition lever,
movement of the handle 206 will not cause the latch to change from
a latched condition to unlatched condition.
FIG. 33 corresponds to the relative positions of the plate 264 and
the cap 252 in the condition of the latch shown in FIG. 31. As can
be seen the projections 274 and 276 are positioned adjacent to the
end surfaces 288 and 292 respectively.
Rotation of the motor in a first direction is operative to cause
plate 264 to rotate from the rotational position shown in FIG. 31
to the position shown in FIG. 30. The rotation of plate 264 is
operative to cause the latch condition lever 226 to be disposed
downwardly relative to the position of the lever in FIG. 31. The
pin 228 which is connected to lever 226 correspondingly moves
downward in elongated slot 218 and further lever slot 222. In the
position shown in FIG. 30 movement of the handle 204 is operative
to cause the latch to change from the latched condition to the
unlatched condition.
The position of plate 264 in the condition of the latch shown in
FIG. 30 is represented in FIG. 32. As can be seen the projections
which extend radially outward from the cap 252 are in the same
positions as in FIG. 33. However the plate is rotated such that end
surface 294 is adjacent to projection 276 and end surface 286 is
adjacent to projection 274. Thus as can be appreciated, the
condition of the latch is changed from a locked condition to an
unlocked condition while the keylock remains in the locked position
and cylinder remains immovable due to the absence of the key in the
lock. Thereafter rotation of the motor in an opposed rotational
direction is operative to return the plate 264 and latch condition
lever 226 from the position shown in FIG. 30 to the position shown
in FIG. 31. Thus as can be appreciated the actuator 308 is enabled
to change the condition of the latch between the locked and
unlocked conditions independent of the operation of the
keylock.
In the exemplary arrangement the keylock 240 may be used
independent of the actuator 308 to change the latch between the
locked in the unlocked conditions. As represented in FIG. 34 and
FIG. 35 placing the proper key in engagement with the key cylinder
enables rotation of the key cylinder in a manner that rotates the
plate 264. As shown in FIG. 35 the cap 252 may be rotated
responsive to rotation of the key cylinder by the key in a
counterclockwise direction viewed from the rear of the latch, from
the immovable position shown in FIG. 32 in which the cylinder is
held when the key is not present. This causes the projections 274
and 276 to be engaged with the end surfaces 288 and 292
respectively. This enables the cap 252 to rotationally move the
plate 264 counterclockwise to the position in which the latch
condition lever 226 places the latch in the unlocked condition.
Similarly rotation of the cap 252 in a clockwise direction when
viewed from the rear of the latch causes the plate 264 to move
clockwise. This occurs because of the engagement of projections 274
and 276 with end surfaces 286 and 294 respectively. Thus in the
exemplary embodiment latch can be changed between locked and
unlocked conditions without electrical actuation of the
actuator.
Further as can be appreciated, in the exemplary arrangement because
the immovable position of the key cylinder when the key is removed
is such that the projections associated with the cap 252 are
movable within the arcuate slots that extend in the plate, having
the keylock in the locked position does not prevent changing the
condition of the latch through operation of the actuator. Of course
it should be understood that the arrangement of projections and
slots used in the exemplary embodiment is but one of many
configurations that may be utilized in connection with latch and
actuator constructions. In addition the exemplary latch
configuration which utilizes an actuation lever and disconnect
lever connected through a movable pin is but one example of a type
of latch that may have its condition changed through movement of a
latch condition lever. Numerous other latch configurations may be
utilized with members that change the latch condition responsive to
movement by actuators that are within the scope of the principles
described herein.
It is noted that several examples have been provided for purposes
of explanation. These examples are not to be construed as limiting
the hereto-appended claims. Additionally, it may be recognized that
the examples provided herein may be permutated while still falling
under the scope of the claims.
Thus the exemplary embodiments described herein achieve improved
operation, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior
devices, systems and methods and attain the useful results
described herein.
In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for
brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom because such terms are used
for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations herein are by way of
examples and the inventive aspects are not limited to the features
shown and described.
Having described the features, discoveries and principles of the
exemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are constructed and
operated and the advantages and useful results attained, the new
and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts,
combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes
and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *